A local source said: “Kesty was a well-known dealer and he is no stranger to the police.

“The word on the street after Jamie’s death was that he had supplied the dodgy ecstasy.

“Since then, emotions have been running high locally but it seems things got out of hand on the day of the funeral. The fact Kesty was in the street where Jamie died just hours after the cremation beggars belief.

“There will be no shortage of suspects for this one.”

MacKay lived in Castle Acre, two minutes away from Peacock Place. He was visiting a house in the street when he was stabbed.

When paramedics arrived at the scene, MacKay was dead.

Jamie – a Facebook friend of MacKay – was found in Peacock Place early on Sunday, August 11.

The teenager was pronounced dead at Dumfries Infirmary.

Family and friends of Jamie – known as Jabba – were devastated by the tragedy. One said on a social networking website: “So many memories and not one bad word to say about you. Going to miss you big guy.”

Health officials issued a warning after Jamie’s death – which police are treating as unexplained until toxicology reports are completed – about the risk of taking “hazardous unknown tablets” being sold in the area.

The street was sealed off yesterday as officers carried out forensic and door-to-door inquiries.

The officer leading the investigation last night said there would be an increased police presence in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Kerr added: “I fully understand the tensions in Ecclefechan and I would encourage anyone who may have any information about the death of Kevin MacKay to come forward.

“I am asking the community to pull together to help us bring those responsible for his death to account.

“Any information, no matter how small, might be of assistance. I’d urge those who think they can help to get in touch by calling 101.

“This is a very rare type of crime in our part of the country and officers will be happy to speak to the community to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to bring this matter to a close.”